The Japanese training
squadron in currently on a world
cruise lasting up to early November. The aim is for the
officers, who graduated from the Officer Candidate School of the Japan
Maritime Self-defence Force, to acquire seamanship and promote friendly
relations between Japan and the countries on their itinerary. The
squadron, commanded by Rear-Admiral Hidetoshi Iwasaki, has aboard 750 officers
and enlisted men, and 200 cadets including 20 women.

The Japanese squadron is
presently berthing alongside at Pinto wharves. The squadron will be open for the public on Monday (Aug. 29th) from 10.00 a.m. to noon and from 1.00 p.m. to 4.00 p.m.

The three Japanese vessels are expected
to sail from Valletta Port on Tuesday, Aug. 30th. (27-Aug-2016)